Got a new gig as an after-school sitter job? Nice! Of course, once you accept the role, there’s a whole lot to learn: school pickup routine, snacks to make, homework to tackle, activities to get to, and several house rules to remember along the way. The good news? You don’t have to fly by the seat of your pants and pick it all up as you go. Asking the right questions before and during your first week can help you understand the family’s routine, know what’s expected of you, and feel more confident stepping into your new role. Here are 10 questions to ask before starting an after-school sitter job.
1. What should I know about school pickup?
School pickup can have its own set of rules, including routes, lines, signs and more. So be sure to get the details before your first afternoon on the job.
Ask the parents:
- Where and when should I pick up the kids?
- Do I need to be added to an authorized pickup list?
- Is there a pickup code, car line, car sign. or other school procedure I should know?
- What should I do if school lets out early or there’s a schedule change?
- Who should I contact if I’m running late or there’s an issue at pickup?
If you’re driving the kids, make sure you also understand the family’s expectations around transportation and have any car seats or booster seats you’ll need. And save important addresses and pickup instructions in your phone before your first day so you aren’t scrambling to locate them at the last minute.
2. What’s a typical afternoon look like?
Every family has its own rhythm. Some kids want a snack and some downtime as soon as they get home. Others need to start homework right away or head straight to soccer practice. Ask parents to walk you through a typical afternoon from pickup until they get home.
Find out:
- When do the kids usually have a snack?
- When do they do homework?
- Are there chores or responsibilities to complete?
- How much downtime or screen time is allowed?
- Are there regular practices, lessons, or activities?
- What time should dinner, baths, or other evening routines begin?
Knowing the family’s priorities can help you keep things moving without making every afternoon feel like a race against the clock.
3. What can the kids eat after school?
Hungry kids and busy afternoons tend to go hand in hand. Ask which snacks are fair game, what the kids usually like, and whether there are any allergies, dietary restrictions, or foods that are off-limits. If you’re expected to prepare dinner or pack something for an activity, clarify that too. And don’t be afraid to ask the kids what they like once you get to know them. Finding that one snack everyone agrees on can feel like a small after-school victory.
4. What’s the homework routine?
“Do you homework” can mean very different things from one household to another. Some parents may want you to check that assignments are completed. Others may expect you to actively help. And some kids may have a specific routine that helps them focus. Ask:
- What homework responsibilities do the kids have?
- How much help should I provide?
- Are there certain subjects they struggle with?
- Do they use a school portal or planner to track assignments?
- What should I do if they refuse to do their homework?
Understanding your role ahead of time can make homework time easier for everyone.
5. What are the screen-time rules?
Don’t wait until a kid is holding a tablet and telling you, Mom always lets me, to find out the rules. Ask parents what’s allowed on school days, including TV, tablets, phones, video games, and social media. You can also ask whether screen time needs to happen after homework or chores and whether there are any apps, games, shows, or websites that aren’t allowed. Clear expectations make it much easier to stay consistent with the family’s rules.
6. Where does everyone need to be and when?
Fall calendars can get packed quickly. One child may have soccer while another has dance, tutoring, music lessons, or a playdate. If you’re responsible for getting kids to activities, ask parents to share the weekly schedule with you. Confirm:
- Addresses
- Start and end times
- What the child needs to bring
- Transportation expectations
- Pickup and drop-off instructions
- Who to contact if plans change
It’s also smart to put recurring activities into your calendar so you can see the whole afternoon at a glance.
7. What should I do if plans change?
With kids, schedules don’t always go according to plan. A practice gets canceled. A child isn’t feeling well. A parent gets stuck at work. School closes early. Ask ahead of time how the family prefers to handle changes and when they want you to check in before making a decision. It’s also critical to know who you can contact if a parent isn’t immediately available.
8. What should I know in case of an emergency?
This is one conversation you don’t want to save for later. Make sure you know where to find the family’s emergency information and understand what parents want you to do if something unexpected happens.
Ask about:
- Emergency contacts
- Allergies or medical information you need to know
- Medications and the family’s instructions around them
- Where first-aid supplies are kept
- Home security or alarm instructions
- Who to call if you can’t reach the parents
If you’re unsure about something related to a child’s care or safety, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s always better to clarify expectations ahead of time.
9. How would you like me to keep you updated?
Some parents love a few texts throughout the afternoon. Others may prefer one update before they head home. Ask what works best for them.
You can also establish what kinds of things warrant an immediate call or text versus what can wait until the end of the day. A quick update like, “Homework is done, everyone ate, and we are heading to soccer now” can give parents helpful visibility without requiring a play-by-play of the afternoon.
10. Is there anything else that makes afternoons easier for your kids?
This could be the most useful question of all. Maybe one child needs a little quiet time after school. Maybe another does better when they know the plan for the afternoon. Maybe there’s a favorite playlist for the drive to practice or a specific way the family handles sibling disagreements. Parents know their kids. Those little insights can help you understand what makes an afternoon run smoothly—and what can throw it completely off course.
Give yourself time to learn the routine
You don’t need to have every detail memorized on day one. Your first week is a chance to learn how the family operates, get to know the kids, and find your rhythm together. Ask questions when you’re unsure, communicate when something comes up, and pay attention to the little things that help each child feel comfortable with you. Before long, school pickup, snacks, homework, and the activity shuffle may start to feel like second nature. And if you’re still looking for the right after-school opportunity, fall is a great time to see what families are looking for. Search for flexible babysitting jobs at Sittercity.
